Hearthlist Digest #66 - Saturday, November 29, 1997 Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 by <[email protected]> Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 by Craig Issod <[email protected]> Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 by <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 From: [email protected] Date: Fri, 28 Nov 1997 19:45:47 -0500 (EST) In a message dated 97-11-28 18:16:56 EST, you write: << First of all; there is nothing that these yoyos can do. Secondly: there is nothing that they should do because as anyone who has studied geology knows, global temperature changes are measured in 100 year cycles. A one year shift in temperature of .77 degrees is normal and does nothing to the average 100 year temperature. On the other hand a .77 degree temperature shift in 100 years is a matter of concern, but no one of any note is warning us of this occurance. >> The following is verbatim from yesterday's (11/27) "The Oregonian" feature story on the Kyoto conference. This was a scrupulously objective review of the generally-agreed facts and the prospects for positive results from the conference. "Most experts accept the following conclusions: <> The world is getting warmer. The average global temperature is about 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer today than it was 100 years ago. Summers are longer; winters are milder. Although there is much year-to-year variation, the long-range trend is clearly upward. <> The portion of this warming trend that results from human activities, such as clearing land, burning coal and oil, and driving cars, is increasing. Natural causes beyond human control, such as cyclical changes in ocean currents or radiation from the sun, account for a significant but shrinking share. <> The average temperature will continue rising for at least another century, no matter what steps are taken to prevent it. Estimates of the probable increases range from about 2 degrees to 8 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. By comparison, the last ice age, 20,000 years ago, was only 9 degrees colder than today. <> A hotter world would bring more extremes of weather; more rain and snow, more violent storms, worse floods and droughts. Some areas might benefit from longer growing seasons, but the overall impact probably will be unfavorable. <> The amount of warming varies from place to place. The tropics are relatively stable, but the Arctic is heating up rapidly. The temperate zones, including most of the United States, are seeing a moderate increase." The article continues on to describe greenhouse gases, "primarily carbon dioxide and methane", which "come primarily from burning fossil fuels". The technical portion of the article concludes: "Greenhouse gases make up only a fraction of the atmosphere, but they can have a big impact and their proportion is rising rapidly. In 1850, about 280 out of every million air molecules were carbon dioxide. Now the concentration is 360 parts per million, and by 2100, if nothing is done, scientists predict that it will nearly double to 700 parts per million." The article presents a pessimistic view of the likelihood that a meaningful agreement will emerge from Kyoto. This is primarily due to the difficulty of getting representives of 160 nations to agree on anything, particularly given the different priorities and interests of the developed and third world countries. However, the fact that top scientific policy-makers from the entire world are gathering to address the issue suggests that global warming is a recognized and accepted phenomenon with significant consequences for our future. The Kyoto conference is probably best viewed as a small but necessary step toward developing an effective strategy to deal with an extremely complex problem. Dave Johnston [email protected]
(back) Subject: Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 From: Craig Issod <[email protected]> Date: Fri, 28 Nov 1997 23:59:29 -0400 there is nothing that these yoyos can do. Secondly: there is >nothing that they should do because as anyone who has studied geology >knows, global temperature changes are measured in 100 year cycles. A one >year shift in temperature of .77 degrees is normal and does nothing to the >average 100 year temperature. On the other hand a .77 degree temperature >shift in 100 years is a matter of concern, but no one of any note is >warning us of this occurance. As I mentioned, we'll end this particular conversation, since it's not really totally hearth related. I'm still amazed that so many hearth people are "anti-environment". When I went to Reno last year, I was amazed by the pollution and traffic in what must have originally been a pristine place. You'd have to have blinders on not to see the negative effects our greed has on the natural world around us...millions dying from man-made disease, choking on air, species disapperaring.... Well, I guess we'll just have to let Exxon, Monsanto and the others keep leading us down the path. After all "without chemicals, life itself would be impossible". Meanwhile, I suggest that you sweeps wear all the protection you can get..as the effects of soot, global warming and outdoor pollution are all cumulative (grin). ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ Buddha says "avoid error" ------------------------------------------------------
(back) Subject: Re: Hearthlist Digest #65 - 11/28/97 From: [email protected] Date: Sat, 29 Nov 1997 12:21:54 -0500 (EST) In a message dated 97-11-28 18:17:02 EST, you write: << On the other hand a .77 degree temperature shift in 100 years is a matter of concern, but no one of any note is warning us of this occurance. Raymond D. Goldman >> Thanks, Raymond...I am relieved that everyone has not bought into the hysteria of the "global warming" nonsense. Of course, how can you blame those whose sole source of info is the main stream media, the Clintoon administration and so-called scientists - most of which depend on tax-payer (note: I did not say government - the money is OURS) handouts. Get the admininstration in your pocket and you have a source of income for at least four years. You will note that Gore's MAIN issue is "global warming"..if he cannot convince people that it is a threat to their lives (which this summit in Japan really is) he will not be nominated. BE PREPARED FOR AN ALL OUT ASSAULT OF NONSENSE BETWEEN NOW AND THE ELECTION! In closing please understand this issue has nothing to do with fact (I do not care how many crackpot websites you refer to)..it is to do with political correctness and a grab for taxpayer money. Thank you. Phil South Lake Tahoe, CA (where property rights do not mean a damn thing)